a day in the life of piano monkey

it is middle of crazy recital season. by the end of this semester, i wouldve recorded at least 40 recitals.  i wouldve accompanied a few as pianist as well.  i have done some complicated or super simple backstaging works this semester and helped to produce numerous recording sessions.  and yeah, played on couple demos- whether for application purposes or teaching purpose. it is a funny thing, trying to make a living as a classical musician. especially if one forfeits teaching option.  i do miss teaching the tiger cubs though.  however, teaching isnt the right option for me at the moment, as i have booked another summer ticket to head across the puddle for an extended period of time.  all the different things i get to do, i think not only it helps to balance the books, it helps me to be a reasonable human being.  especially from what i have heard in the wind recently. this city has many pianists who earns through accompanying. some do it t...

*busker performing in pike place market. i bet he practices at home. this afternoon, 3rd floor lounge, faculty of music, university of toronto, a young guitarist is talking to his friend and  butchering the bach suite quite efficiently.  let's refocus on the fact that this is a lounge, not a practice room.  he's conversing with a friend: this is so hard (butcher), i donno, i think it may be alright (miss), man, bach was a genius (fail, tries again), and the 'music' continues. monkey: hey, i have a question. what is with you guys always practicing in the public space? dude: it's because we can, while others cant. m: so that means you should practice in public? d: well, yeah, why not? m: because it's a public space, you should practice in practice rooms. d: well, some people talk and do things here, don't they? m: you actually like practicing and blundering passage in public? d: well, how is it different from having conversations? m: you should not ...

past couple days been completely crazy- canada in march, pushing the mercury above 20'c. how did that happen? i have no idea, but seeing that the forecasters are auguring for dropping back to somewhat more reasonable temps (though depending on who you are looking up, the ranges vary from the low single digit to low teens), literally everyone has been out walking in the sun. with no jackets. no hats or mittens. even umbrellas, though the rainstorm has been promised (boo, it wouldve been a perfect ending to the day to have a proper spring night storm). and this week has been the week of sanity- finally catching up time. i did the taxes, went to see a brand new baby of friends, one of my great friend came to stay overnight, and with all the empty times (yet to have another completely free day though- i had one since i came back in january), i wondered why i dont have anyone to call to go have a pint with. oops. that's right. ive been working evenings the whole time. when peopl...

so many things have happened since last blogpost- i swear the little snippets of memories and events will be recounted and expanded, but meanwhile, i do have a recital tomorrow to play for, so i should plug self into bed. here are some photos i just cant help to post, as the weather has been absolutely glories. in midst of personal loss of dearest friend who sent her mother to the next gate, many young musicians with years of preparation under a one single focus moment called audition, sudden spring that graced the once-frozen land, the tigercubs who now studies with another piano teacher, minnow's brief visit, lovely trumpet lady putting together a great first solo recital, little kiddie who i dear care for getting through sludge of end-of-semester, all kinds. and though i have been defeated and elbowed into eyes, i do know that even the punchers didnt meant to get me on the eyes. haha. such is life. life is going to be alright. it doesnt have to be great now but over all, i d...